‘Travelling’ and ‘Photography’ – these two words appeal to one another. Do you deny the fact? Just think to yourself. Whenever you are going for a tiny outing or a long vacation to a scenic location, don’t you want to capture the beautiful scenario in your camera? Though travel photography is more than just clicking random photos, you do not have to be any highly skilled professional photographer. You just need to know some of the tricks you can leverage on while capturing moments.
Let’s have a brief discussion on the definition of actual travel photography- travel photography needs to encapsulate the emotion and essence of the moment or the place. Whether you are wandering through ancient streets, enjoying an eye-soothing sunset or exploring some new culture, you have the power to immortalize the moment. Here’s some tips and tricks you can lock away your favourite moments more appropriately.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Camera’s Settings Properly
To own an expensive DSLR for photography is not necessary at all. In fact, the latest smartphones offer powerful cameras you can see incredible results with. The point is, whether you own a smartphone or a digital camera or DSLR, you must know all the functions of the settings. Learn how to control exposure, focus and white balance along with how to adjust the depth.
You can try shooting in RAW format if your camera has the function. RAW photos are more flexible to edit and preserve more detail.
- Capture Golden Hours
“Golden Hour” refers to the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The atmosphere these times remains softer, warmer and casts long shadows. This creates dramatic effects, making it the perfect time for portraits, landscapes or anything in between. If you are on a vacation, you may want to set alarms to enjoy these beautiful moments and capture them.
- Focus on Composition
Composition can be the key to creating engaging travel photographs. By taking a well composed shot, you can turn your ordinary photo into an extraordinary one.
Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal sections with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections. This technique creates balance and draws attention to the main focus.
Leading Lines: Use roads, rivers, fences, or even shadows to lead the viewer’s eye toward the subject. This creates depth and adds an element of interest.
Framing: Frame your subject with elements in the scene, such as doorways, windows, or overhanging branches, to create a sense of context and immersion.
- Capture Candid Moments
The unscripted moments are the best memories, ain’t they? These moments remind us of the actual incident we witnessed at that moment. Nothing fake or with purpose. Whether a child is playing in the street or a person is cracking up or a vendor is selling fruits in the market or a family member is chatting among themselves in a get-together – these photos convey authentic stories.
However, you need to take permission sometimes if you are taking photos of locals or people who don’t want to be captured. This might bother them. So for ethical consideration, do not take candid photos if you are not allowed.
- Experiment with Perspective and Angle
Don’t take photos from eye level always, you can try new angles. You can also stand on a higher level to get birds’ eye view or lie on the ground. Experiment with the direction of light. Find out which direction leads you to take better shots.
- Focus on details or background
Never forget to focus on small details. It can be the intricate design of the local building, a colourful street or the textures of local food. These small details can add depth to your photos. Also, if you focus on the subject, the background will be blurred out and it will still have an effect on your photograph. So, try to maintain a good background that will appreciate your picture.
- Try Post-Processing Your Photos
Editing your photos may bring out more amazing versions. However, don’t overdo it. You can use apps like Lightroom or Snapseed for editing on your phone easily. If you are using a desktop computer or laptop, Adobe Photoshop can be the best option for you.
- Tell a Story
Travel photos are not just about immortalizing a moment- they tell us stories as well. Whenever you are taking photos, think about the narrative behind it. Storytelling adds depth to your photos. It engages people and encourages them to know what’s happening in the image. You may take sequential photos as well to describe a narrative.
Follow the tips and tricks mentioned above and share your stories through your lens.
To read more blogs, click here.
Writer
Kazi Mirana Mainuddin
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE